Saudi Arabia and Qatar have intercepted a series of ballistic missiles and drones launched from Iran, significantly widening a regional conflict that began with US and Israeli military operations against Tehran
On Saturday, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense announced it had intercepted two ballistic missiles targeting the Prince Sultan Air Base and destroyed six drones aimed at the Shaybah oilfield This followed an earlier interception of a drone east of Riyadh. In Qatar, the Ministry of Defence reported that it had intercepted nine of ten drones fired from Iran on Friday The attacks have heightened regional tensions, with air raid sirens sounding in Bahrain for the second time in recent hours
Adding a new geopolitical dimension, two US officials familiar with American intelligence stated that Russia has been providing Iran with information that could help target US military assets in the region The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, clarified that intelligence does not suggest Russia is directing Iran's actions but noted it is the first sign of Moscow’s involvement in the week-old war
The conflict is also creating perilous conditions for civilian aviation. The attacks have forced widespread flight disruptions, with many flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi grounded Pilots and aviation experts have voiced serious concerns about the increased risk of operating in airspace contested by military drones and missiles, compounding existing stress on flight crews
ISN MEDIA
